Union County Awarded $2.8 Million in Sandy Homeowner/Renter Assistance Funds

UNION COUNTY – As Union County continues to deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, the Board of Chosen Freeholders recently announced that the county has been awarded $2.8 million dollars as part of the Sandy Homeowner/Renter Assistance Program.

“The effects of Hurricane Sandy have been long lasting, not just structurally but economically” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “We are grateful for the allocation of these funds and hope that they will bring some extra relief to for the residents who are still struggling to pick up the pieces.”

The state grant program will provide eligible households with up to $15,000 in total assistance for paying retroactive/current mortgage, rent and utility payments, and the purchase of essential furnishings or appliances.

In order to be eligible for the program, and individual or family must:

Be a U.S. citizen or eligible alien.

Household members must be legally or blood related.

Have a financial distress directly related to housing which is the direct result of Hurricane Sandy.

Not be currently receiving or eligible for Work First New Jersey/SSI Emergency Assistance.

Carter and her colleagues on the board recently authorized the release of $500,000 of the money to pre-authorized agencies, to speed up the process of disseminating the funds to eligible residents.

The agencies who will handle the day-to-day application and screening of applicants, as well as the disbursement funds are Cranford’s Catholic Charities, Homefirst in Plainfield, and the Urban League in Elizabeth.